Primate Elijah Ayodele, leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, has denied allegations of defamation made against him by former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

Kwankwaso, who is currently the running mate to Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), had threatened to file a N10 billion defamation suit against the cleric over comments he allegedly made during a sermon.

In a letter issued through his legal representatives, Kwankwaso accused Ayodele of making statements suggesting that he was insincere in his relationship with Obi and had been financially induced to accept the vice-presidential position. The remarks were reportedly made during a sermon that was recorded and livestreamed.

Responding in a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Ayodele dismissed the allegations, insisting that his comments were purely prophetic and not intended to defame or attack the former governor.

“It has come to my attention that the former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has alleged that I wrongly accused him in my recent prophecy concerning his political ambition,” Ayodele said.

“I wish to state clearly that the purpose of my prophecies has never been to defame, malign or attack anyone’s personality. I only speak based on what I receive from the throne of God.”

The cleric noted that he has no personal relationship or prior issues with Kwankwaso, stressing that there would be no reason to deliberately target him.

“I have never met Senator Kwankwaso, nor have I had any personal issues with him. Therefore, there is absolutely no reason for me to deliberately target or attack him,” he said.

Ayodele added that his prophecies are not influenced by personal sentiments, relationships, or grievances, but are based solely on divine revelations.

“Kwankwaso is someone I respect, just as I respect every individual. My prophecies are never influenced by personal relationships, sentiments, or grievances; they are simply divine messages and directives as revealed to me,” he stated.

He further claimed that his remarks had been misunderstood and misrepresented by individuals with vested political interests.

“Sadly, even the politician misunderstood my statement and perceived it as a personal attack and an attempt to malign his character,” he said.

The cleric urged individuals mentioned in his prophecies to seek clarification before making accusations or issuing threats. He also warned against the manipulation of his messages for political or personal purposes.

“I would appreciate it if individuals mentioned in my prophecies seek clarification before issuing threats or making accusations,” he said.

“I would also like to use this opportunity to warn those who manipulate my videos to serve personal, political, or selfish agendas. Such actions are misleading and unacceptable. Appropriate action will be taken against anyone found guilty of deliberately altering my messages for ulterior motives.”